Accidents involving commercial trucks are traumatizing. Most truck accident victims do not know the right thing to do other than seeing a doctor after the horrific incident.
If the truck driver is to blame for the accident, you should be compensated for the damages caused. Therefore, the next step to take after visiting the hospital is to search for a truck accident lawyer who will fight for your rightful compensation.
Truck accident lawsuits are different from regular vehicle accident claims because the regulations governing trucks do not apply to other vehicles; the size and weight of the trucks lead to severe injuries and death in a crash. In addition, the accident might be the fault of several parties.
That said, commercial truck accident lawsuits should only be handled by lawyers who understand the requirements of the case.
To choose the right truck accident lawyer, follow the guidelines below.
What to Consider when Choosing a Truck Accident Lawyer?
1. Specialization and Experience
The right truck accident lawyer for your case must have substantial experience in truck accident cases. Start by asking for proof of certification in personal injury law. Then, find out how many years of experience they have in the field and how many cases they have handled so far.
Do not be taken in by someone with ten years of experience but who has handled less than ten truck accident cases. Do not be shy about getting the correct figures regarding their experience and expertise during the consultation meeting.
2. Track Record
The success of being a lawyer is measured by the number of cases a lawyer has won or settled.
With that in mind, ask your lawyer how many truck accident cases they have successfully settled. You see, a lawyer might have five years of experience and has handled more than fifty truck accident lawsuits but won only five.
With such a lawyer, the possibility of losing your case is high. Therefore, settle for a lawyer with a solid track record.
3. Resources
Truck accident lawsuits are among the most expensive cases to handle. That’s why it’s always better to prevent a truck driver injury. They can go on for a long time, and you will be facing large companies and prominent lawyers. Therefore, choosing a lawyer with resources to run the case as long as it takes is essential.
What’s more, resources when running a case not only imply money but a great team of investigators, lawyers, legal assistants, and expert witnesses.
4. Visit Their Website
If you are doing your search online, consider the lawyer website as being their office. The first impression of their website says a lot about their services. For instance, you can associate a law firm with an easy-to-navigate website with good communication skills.
Take your time to gather all the information you need from the website. By the time you are done, you should be able to tell if they truly deal with truck accident cases and if previous clients are satisfied.
Do not ignore what people are saying in the review section, whether good or bad.
5. Discuss Fees and Payment Terms
We cannot ignore the fact that truck accident lawyers are in business as much as they want to help you get compensation. It is for this reason that the cost and payment terms differ.
Normalize talking about money during the consultation meeting. What does the lawyer expect from you? And what are you willing to offer? Both parties are protected from a rude shock after the case is settled if there is clarity in the payment terms.
What’s more, get the payment agreement in writing.
Start Your Search
The search for a truck accident lawyer should not stress you if you adhere to the five factors above. Truck accident lawsuits are complicated. Therefore, start your search immediately to give your lawyer enough time to build your case.